Desert Lavender
Hyptis emoryi
An aromatic Sonoran Desert native shrub with wooly gray foliage and small lavender-blue flowers that draw bees and hummingbirds over a long season.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a low-desert native tolerant of extreme heat and light frost, with top damage possible only in the hardest freezes.
AMWUA Notes
A moderate- to low-water Sonoran native with fragrant gray foliage; blooms over a long season on minimal irrigation.
Care Guide
Drought tolerant; water every 2 weeks in summer for a fuller look and rely on rain otherwise, avoiding overwatering that causes rangy growth.
Head back by a third in late winter to keep the aromatic gray shrub dense; it grows open and leggy if never pruned but should not be sheared into a formal shape.
No fertilizer needed in native soil.
Pest-free; the fragrant foliage deters browsing.
Semi-evergreen with wooly gray aromatic leaves; small lavender-blue flowers bloom over a long season, mainly spring through fall, feeding bees and hummingbirds.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Rocky, gravelly, sharply drained soils; thrives in caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
4 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Placement Tips
- •About 4 ft in each direction; space 4 ft apart and site near paths or seating where the fragrant foliage is brushed.
- •The soft gray leaves contrast with green and dark-leaved plants in a native design.
- •Low litter suits pool and patio edges.
- •Give it full sun and good drainage; keep it pruned or it opens up over time.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Desert Lavender. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Desert Lavender — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Desert Lavender need in Phoenix?
Desert Lavender is a moderate-water shrub once established. Drought tolerant; water every 2 weeks in summer for a fuller look and rely on rain otherwise, avoiding overwatering that causes rangy growth. A moderate- to low-water Sonoran native with fragrant gray foliage; blooms over a long season on minimal irrigation.
How big does Desert Lavender get?
Expect roughly 4 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 4 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Can you plant Desert Lavender near a pool?
Yes. Desert Lavender is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Desert Lavender handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Desert Lavender is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a low-desert native tolerant of extreme heat and light frost, with top damage possible only in the hardest freezes. Semi-evergreen with wooly gray aromatic leaves; small lavender-blue flowers bloom over a long season, mainly spring through fall, feeding bees and hummingbirds.
Does Desert Lavender have thorns?
No. Desert Lavender is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Desert Lavender safe around pets?
Desert Lavender is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Desert Lavender bloom in Arizona?
Desert Lavender blooms in spring-fall, with lavender-blue flowers. The flowers are fragrant. The bloom draws bees, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Desert Lavender need?
Desert Lavender is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Head back by a third in late winter to keep the aromatic gray shrub dense; it grows open and leggy if never pruned but should not be sheared into a formal shape.
What kind of soil does Desert Lavender need?
Rocky, gravelly, sharply drained soils; thrives in caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5. It needs no supplemental feeding. No fertilizer needed in native soil.
Is Desert Lavender native to Arizona?
Yes. Desert Lavender is native to Arizona and to the Mohave and Sonoran Deserts, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.